Helpings of Hope Inc

Why We Need Your Support? 

The Need "Helpings of Hope: The Flow & Glow Project" Bring Plumbing & Electricity to Our Greenhouse

Helpings of Hope currently serves more than 500 people, but we could quadruple our impact with your support.

 We need to raise $18,000 by December 31, 2025 to install plumbing, electricity and ventilation in our greenhouse. 

This crucial investment will allow us to: Extend the growing season Maximize crop production Foster economic sustainability

The Problem Indianapolis Faces a Food Security Crisis 1 in 5 People in Indianapolis are Food Insecure

Food insecurity threatens physical, social, and economic access to nutritious food.

 21.6% of Marion County residents live below the poverty line. This number is even higher for children.

In November, the delay of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown increased the need for food. Thankfully, SNAP benefits were reissued, but the residual need and uncertainty continues.  

This loss follows more than $1 billion in USDA cuts earlier this year to the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs, funds that once provided $20,000 in direct support to Helpings of Hope and helped us deliver fresh, locally grown produce to food pantries across our region. 

Additionally, many families in Nora, Indianapolis, lack access to culturally meaningful foods. For immigrants and refugees, this means losing a vital connection to their heritage and identity and creates even more barriers to building strong community ties.

The Solution Helpings of Hope Sows Sustainability & Connection

Our Mission

We empower communities in food deserts by providing sustainable food sources, educational resources, and spaces to grow produce tied to their heritage. 

Our Vision

We envision an Indianapolis where everyone has access to affordable, culturally meaningful food, the tools to nourish their families, and a thriving connection to their community and the land.

Who We Are

Urban Farms, Community Gardens, Farm Stands, Farmer's Markets, Classes & Community

 

We support 2 community gardens: A garden where families grow culturally significant crops like lenga-lenga, African eggplant, Managu sour leaf, pumpkin leaf, and sweet potato leaf. A donation garden where 100% of harvested produce goes to local food pantries.

In 2025, we expanded our satellite urban farm and community garden at the John Boner Neighborhood Center on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis, where we provide affordable, fresh produce to the Near Eastside community. 

Our Impact

Sustainable Food Sources	Over 40 gardeners from 9 countries grow fresh, culturally relevant produce for food pantries and local families living in food deserts.
Educational Resources	Through partnerships with Share Our Strength, Raphael Health Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, we teach families how to shop, cook, and eat healthy on a budget.
Community Connection	We create spaces where people can gather, share, and celebrate their cultural heritage through food

Support Us "Helpings of Hope: The Flow & Glow Project"

By quadrupling our impact at Helpings of Hope, we’ll lower the community’s risk for food insecurity while honoring cultural traditions and empowering families to be self-sustainable. This benefits everyone and strengthens our local economy. 

 Together, we can create a healthier, more connected Indianapolis.

 

Thank You for Your Support! -Team Helpings of Hope For More Information Contact:  Kathryn Beckman, RDN, MA, LD Executive Director, Helpings of Hope, Inc. Email: kathryn.beckman@helpingsofhopeindy.org

Donate online during the Indianapolis Gives Challenge, December 1-11th,2025.